GTC EN Articles

The European economy is currently going through major changes driven by two main factors: the need to reduce our carbon footprint and the move towards digitalization. These processes, known as the twin transition, are designed to create a more sustainable and competitive economy. What exactly is the twin transition and what are its main goals? The GTC project "Growth through transformational changes in the industrial sector influenced by the EU Green Deal and digitalization and proactive participation of workers in restructuring the changing working environment" co-financed by the European Commission, is looking at how the EU Green Deal and digitalization can help the industrial sector grow in a way that benefits everyone. Spanning seven European and candidate countries—Poland, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, and Spain—this project promotes collaboration among workers, unions, and employers to ensure a just and inclusive transition.

The GTC project is focused on enabling stakeholders to navigate the profound changes in the industrial sector driven by green and digital transitions. Key objectives include facilitating knowledge exchange, conducting in-depth research, building capacities of the partners and raising awareness among workers and employers in the European  metal sector. The GTC project features a comprehensive plan of activities like development of seven country-level reports, analysing national and regional contexts of the twin transitions; creation of a self-paced training curriculum, including pre-recorded lessons, quizzes, and resource materials, to support skill development for workers and employers; organization of a Simulation Workshop in Serbia, where participants exchanged on practical solutions in terms for green and digital transitions through real-case scenarios, and conducting an information campaign including articles and video recordings to disseminate knowledge and stimulate public debate.

The GTC Project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to achieving sustainability and digital innovation in the industrial sector. The key conclusions that may be drawn from the national studies and discussions with the partners is that twin transition depends on the integration of technology with environmental protection and workers’ involvement. Case studies analysed showed how modern technologies can bring both economic and environmental benefits, and how important is the social dialogue (including tripartite dialogue) in the context of restructuring. Transformation in the industry sector requires a multi-faceted approach in which technologies, people and development strategies work together for a more sustainable future. By prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity, it creates a robust foundation for addressing the challenges of the twin transitions while empowering workers and stakeholders to take an active role in shaping the future of industry. The GTC initiative serves as a model for sustainable growth and equitable transformation across Europe.

The materials of the project and the course are available at the following link:   https://decentwork.msnzzpcmc.pl/en/course